Thankfully, there’s an early-warning solution in the form of a carbon monoxide alarm that costs only a few pounds more than a smoke alarm. Be aware, though, that not all CO detectors are sensitive enough and some no-name brands are downright useless – and, therefore, dangerous. Ensure you opt for a reputable brand such as FireAngel, First Alert, Kidde, Nest or Lifesaver. The Nest Protect passed our sealed incense test with flying colours: the smoke alarm went off first, followed by the CO alarm five minutes later; according to the app, the CO level was 414ppm and increasing. We can’t think of a better CO currently alarm on the market, particularly as it also detects smoke. Unlike other CO detectors, the Nest notifies you (and anyone else who has registered) with a notification on your mobile device, even if you’re in another country. It also does the same for smoke. The main unit also speaks a warning in a calm English female voice when it detects smoke or CO in a room. If the CO levels are slowly increasing, the voice will warn you before setting off the alarm. But if CO levels become dangerously high, the centre lamp glows red and a very loud, high-pitched beep is emitted along with a spoken warning letting you know which room is affected. You can temporarily cancel any alarms by holding the “Stop” button on the app or by pressing the unit’s central button.

Everyone knows how important it is to have a smoke alarm in the home. If a fire breaks out while you’re asleep, the smoke it emits will set off the alarm, hopefully giving you time to get out before being asphyxiated by the fire’s deadly concoction of chemical gases. This CO detector will protect you and your family from dangerous carbon monoxide gas. The Kidde 5CO carbon monoxide alarm features a 10 year sensor life and is supplied with 2 x Duracell AA alkaline batteries to power the unit. The 5CO continuously monitors the CO levels detected within a room. These units can be wall mounted or free standing, and feature a 7 year manufacturer's warranty.The best carbon monoxide alarms you can buy in 2023 1. Nest Protect: Best smart CO and smoke detector

Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling and should be at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The one downside with this model is that it runs off a pair of AA batteries, which need to be switched out roughly every three years, making three changes during its lifespan. This isn’t a huge issue, but it means this model isn’t suitable for use in Scottish homes. It is, however, suitable for use in a boat or caravan, making it a good option if you need an alarm on your next boating or caravanning trip. Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

Most manufacturers suggest locating your alarm next to or near a gas appliance, and it’s worth having one in the same room as any fire or wood-burning stove. It should be around 1.5m from the ground and at least 30cm away from any ceiling, and most can be mounted on a worktop, shelf or table – or simply mounted on the wall. In living spaces: they should be positioned close to where the occupant's head is likely to be most of the time – e.g., on your bedside table. The Kidde K5CO carbon monoxide alarm will protect you and your family from dangerous carbon monoxide gas, and features a 10 year sensor life. Supplied with 2 x Duracell AA alkaline batteries to power the unit, the K5CO carbon monoxide detector continuously monitors the CO levels detected within a room. These units can be wall mounted or free standing, and feature a 7 year manufacturer's warranty. The K5CO replaces its predecessor (5CO) and can be fitted to existing 5CO baseplates. FireAngel is a major player in the field of CO, fire and smoke detection and this unique system is clearly a clever, albeit pricey, way to protect the entire household in one fell swoop.Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of under, say, 40ppm. It depends on the length of exposure, but the real danger level starts at around 400ppm (two to three hours of exposure at this level can be life-threatening). To give you some idea of how dangerous higher levels of concentration can be, 1,500ppm could result in death within an hour and 6,000ppm within 15 minutes. The best carbon monoxide detector should be built with an electrochemical sensor that constantly measures the levels of carbon monoxide in the air, letting off a loud audible alarm should levels become too high.